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University of New England senior finds meaningful career in Maine conservation
It wasn’t just the breaking of the waves and chatter of coastal birds that drew Alex Woodworth’s interest to the University of New England. It was eventually playing a role in the environmental restoration of Maine’s woodlands, a career pathway he can now follow without hesitation, thanks to the education he received at UNE.
“The environmental curriculum at UNE really set me up for success,” said Woodworth ’24, who is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and will be graduating this Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a minor in biological sciences from the School of Marine and Environmental Programs.
He said his journey at UNE has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel after college, adding that conducting research on vernal pools in the University’s 363-acre forest was a standout moment in pursing his degree. The forest serves as an outdoor classroom and living laboratory for environmental science students.
“I really just like being out in nature, and the vernal pools are awesome,” he said, sharing that as a part of a class, he spent time surveying the forest’s vernal pools, which are temporary wetlands where frogs and salamanders breed, allowing him to gain a hands-on understanding of Maine’s varied ecosystems.
“It’s beautiful, and there’s a lot to learn out there as well,” he said.
He also credits Pam Morgan, Ph.D., a professor of environmental studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, for having the most significant impact on his career trajectory.
Alex Woodworth
“I've taken (a class from) her every single semester since I've been an environmental science major,” he said, “and she's given me some great career advice as well as ... a lot of knowledge.”
Woodworth took full advantage of UNE’s field courses to gain the skills needed to succeed in environmental science, said Morgan, adding that she saw him applying what he learned to an internship in urban forestry as well as research in vernal pools and coastal erosion.
“It was great to see Alex's confidence grow with each class and the hands-on projects he worked on,” she said, “All his hard work has prepared him well for life after graduation.”
Woodworth said his new job with SWCA Environmental Consulting aligns perfectly with his passion for outdoor work and restoration projects.
“I'm really excited to be outside and on the marsh,” he said, explaining that he will be situated in Brooksville, just 40 minutes from Acadia National Park, working on a marsh restoration project aimed at rebuilding and replanting the area that was previously an old mining site.
“I really didn't want to be inside at a desk job,” he laughs, recalling his childhood summers spent volunteering at an urban farm — which he credits for sparking his interest in natural ecosystems.
“(It was) getting my hands dirty, even if it was just cleaning or pulling weeds or harvesting vegetables, (that) just made me feel a certain way,” he explained. “And I've always been chasing that feeling and wanting to keep doing that.”
As Woodworth embarks on this new chapter, he said being at UNE has provided him with invaluable learning experiences that will help shape the work he will do with the environment moving forward.
“UNE has prepared me for my future career by giving me the knowledge I think that I need going into (restoration), as well as giving me a lot of critical thinking skills and teamwork skills to be successful,” he said.